Trevor Baylis is a showman who happens to be a world-famous inventor and superb motivational speaker.

Trevor Baylis was born in Kilburn, London, in 1937 and brought up in Southall. He was an excellent swimmer and swam for Great Britain at the age of fifteen.

At 16, he joined the Soil Laboratory in Southall where he also took mechanical and structural engineering at the local technical college on day release.

At 20, he began his National Service as a physical training instructor – Trevor also swam for the Army and Imperial Services.

In 1961, he joined Purley Pools as a salesman and then progressed to research and development. He then went on to start his own swimming pool company.

Trevor Baylis also became a stunt man, and in 1970 became “Rameses 11” performing an underwater escapology act in a Berlin Circus and appearing on numerous TV shows.

In 1991, after watching a programme about the spread of AIDS in Africa, Trevor Baylis set about developing the wind up radio.

His first working prototype ran for 14 minutes and in 1994 he was featured on BBC’s ‘Tomorrow’s World’.

The product’s potential was immediately recognised and the following year, the BayGen Power Industries was set up in Cape Town employing disabled workers to manufacture the Freeplay wind up radio.

In 1996 the wind-up radio won the BBC ‘Design Award for Best Product and Best Design’.

Career Highlights have included:

1982 – Invented and developed a range of products for the disabled called Orange Aids.

1991 – Developed the Clockwork Radio which was launched in 1995.

1997 – Awarded the Order of the British Empire for services to Africa and the Presidential Gold Medal by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

1997 – Featured in ‘This is Your Life’ with Michael Aspel.

1998 – Addressed the Conference of Commonwealth Ministers in Botswana for the British Council and was the Recipient of the Export Times.

1998 – Exporter of the Year award for outstanding export achievement.

1999 – Trevor’s autobiography was published called ‘Clock This’ which appeared on the best sellers list.

2000 – Invented the Electric Shoe, which charges a mobile phone battery whilst walking. In June, Trevor completed a 100-mile walk across the Namib Desert to raise money for the Mines Advisory Group whilst wearing the Electric Shoe and called Richard Branson from the middle of the desert.

2002 – Trevor launched an organisiation to help inventors get their products to market.

2004 – Trevor was invited to address student at M.I.T. in Boston, U.S.A.. The theme of the seminar was ‘Media, Technology and Democracy’.

Apart from at least 1000 articles in the broad sheets and several documentaries, Trevor Baylis has given many radio interviews and performed in several popular TV shows such as ‘The Generation Game’ and ‘Collectors Lot’, ‘The Big Breakfast’ and ‘Britains Best Buildings’.

Trevor Baylis has been awarded the following honours:

The Paul Harris Fellowship – Rotary Club

Master of Science – University of East Anglia

Honorary Fellowship Award – The University of Wales Institute

Doctor of Technology (Honoris Causa) – The Nottingham Trent University

Master of Brunel University (Honori s Causa)

Doctor of Technology (Honoris Causa) – Southampton Institute

Visiting Professor – University of Buckinghamshire

Master of Science – Teeside University

Honorary Research Fellowship, the School of Journalism – Cardiff University

Honorary Fellow – University of Wolverhampton

Honorary Research Fellowship – Cardiff University

Presenter of the Gold Standard Awards on behalf of The Duke of Edinburgh for

His Highness’ Award Scheme at St James’ Palace on 8 December 1999

1999 Elected Pipe Smoker of the Year

2000 Golden Oldie of the Year and in the Guinness Book of Records

Always concerned about the neglect of inventors, inventions and intellectual property, he set up Trevor Baylis Brands plc to help inventors get their products to market. He is in demand as a public speaker inspiring others to ‘think outside the square’

Testimonials

"I am just writing to say much I enjoyed your splendid Discourse. I found the content gripping and the delivery first class. The pace was just right and I am sure you will appreciate how much the audience enjoyed it."

The Royal Institution of Great Britain - Professor Susan Greenfield

"It is so important to capture the imagination of young people and your example is an inspiration to them and to everyone, of what can be done with determination. Thank you for your time and help."

Royal Aeronautical Society - Leo Balthazor, President

"The members found your personal history and knowledge of inventions fascinating…...it was stirring stuff …….the most successful ENF seminar to date."

Ranjit Sondhi, BBC Governor for BBC English Regions

"I am writing to thank you for your invaluable contribution to the European Inventor of the Year conference. I am proud to say we were overwhelmed with positive feedback on the quality of presentation."